Summary of the Systematic Review

Effects of Hippotherapy on the Sitting Balance of Children with Cerebral Palsy: a Randomized Control Trial

Kang, Jung, Yu

Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2012) 

Description

This study aimed to verify the effect of hippotherapy on the sitting balance of children with severe cerebral palsy (CP) by comparing hippotherapy, physical therapy, and a control. [Subjects] In this study, 45 children with CP were randomly divided into the hippotherapy group (HTG, n = 15), physical therapy group (PTG, n = 15), and control group (CON, n = 15). [Methods] Two expert physical therapists provided the HTG and PTG with traditional physical therapy comprising strengthening and stretching exercises in 30-minute sessions, semi-weekly, for 8 weeks.

Profession 

Physical Therapy 

Location 

Korea

Intervention Terminology

HPOT

Study Design 

RCT

Sample

45 children 

Age/Population

6-9 Years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Seated balance testing and measurements on a force plate

Result Category 

Balance (sitting)

Dosage/Description of Intervention

Two expert physical therapists provided the HTG and PTG with traditional physical therapy comprising strengthening and stretching exercises in 30-minute sessions, semi-weekly for 8 weeks. Hippotherapy consisted of sitting and standing in the saddle, manipulating objects (bar, ball, ring and toy) and maintaining the posture while the horse moves.